(a) The commissioner may issue to the first applicant a permit to prospect the area designated in the applicant's application for a period up to one year from the date the application is filed. If the commissioner elects to grant the application for a permit to prospect under the provisions of this subchapter, the permit shall not be issued until after the land office receives the rental payment set by the commissioner.
(b) After receipt of an additional rental payment set by the commissioner, the commissioner may extend the permit for a period of one year.
(c) No permit may be extended for a period of more than five consecutive years from the date of its issuance.